HIElights - December 2013/January 2014

SMART EXPORTING

DIGITAL ROADSHOWS

SCOTGRAD SUCCESS

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lights Driving sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands

December 2013 /January 2014

Issue No. 10

Elaine Jamieson, HIE and Michael Laurenson, Managing Director of Blueshell Mussels - Page 02

WELCOME / FÀILTE Welcome to HIElights, a regular update on the activities of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

HIE is a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government, with a unique remit which integrates economic and community development. Active across half of Scotland, from Shetland to Argyll and from the Hebrides to Moray, HIE pursues four priorities to achieve sustainable growth: • Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations • Strengthening communities and fragile areas • Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities • Creating the conditions for a competitive and low carbon region HIE has an annual budget of more than £75m and employs around 250 people based in locations around the Highlands and Islands.

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IN THIS ISSUE Fyne expansion Fresh energy in Argyll Tourism tees off Gaelic awards Scottish style Orkney Brewery visit

Stay up to date with HIE’s work across the Highlands and Islands at www.hie.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

www.hie.co.uk

December 2013 /January 2014

OUR PRIORITIES

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Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations A’ toirt taic do ghnìomhachasan is iomairtean sòisealta gus na h-amasan aca a dhealbhachadh agus a’ ruigsinn

INTERNATIONAL TRADE INVESTMENT FOR HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS’ BUSINESSES HIE is investing over £400,000 to bring increased exporting know-how to the region’s businesses and help them reach new international markets.

The agency has introduced a new 18 month Smart Exporter international trade programme.

It will build on the success of the Scotland wide initiative which has been delivered in the region by HIE over the past three years.

During that time Smart Exporter has helped more than 200 local companies.

A review carried out with businesses which have participated in the events, forecasts that the region’s economy could realise more than £1m in annual turnover as a result of increased trade.

It is expected that more than 100 businesses, whether new to exporting or with experience, will benefit from this next round of international trade support. It will be delivered by HIE, in partnership with Scottish Development International (SDI) and with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). workforce busy in the factory

SHETLAND COMPANY FLEXES ITS MUSSELS One of Scotland’s leading producers of mussels – classed as “the best in the world” by a celebrity chef - is investing in an upgrade with the support of HIE.

A FYNE EXPANSION FOR FORMER MILKING PARLOUR An award winning Argyll craft beer manufacturer is set to undertake a £2m expansion of its brewing plant following a HIE investment of £479,000.

Fyne Ales is to convert a disused shed on its Argyll estate into a modern integrated craft brewery, capable of producing up to 12.5 million pints of the highest quality craft beer per year.

The investment will dramatically increase turnover and international trade, and create

12 additional full-time equivalent jobs in the remote and rural location of Clachan at the head of Loch Fyne.

The family-owned business was started in a redundant milking parlour in 2001 as a project to diversify into new incomes and operated as a micro-brewery supplying pubs, restaurants and hotels locally and in the Central Belt. The business expanded significantly in 2011 and currently supplies over 30 different beers in a mixture of cask, keg and bottle formats.

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, based at Brae in Shetland, is the UK’s largest rope-grown mussel farmer. In 2008, well known chef Jean-Christophe Novelli visited Shetland and raved about the quality of mussels from Blueshell.

The company has now acquired the assets of Shetland Norse Preserving Company (SNPC), a long standing crab processor in Yell. As part of its expansion plans, Blueshell is moving operations to a crab factory at Ronas Voe, Northmavine. HIE is supporting the investment with £150,000 towards the upgrade of the factory.

This is a significant investment for Blueshell Mussels Ltd and will broaden its product range which already includes mussels and scallops. The project will support employment in the fragile rural communities of Yell and Northmavine. www.hie.co.uk

December 2013 /January 2014

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HIE WELCOMES BUCKIE INVESTMENT Buckie’s long history in shipbuilding is set to continue with Macduff Shipyards Ltd becoming new owners of the main fabrication building at the Moray yard.

HIE and its partners have been working with the administrators since Buckie Shipyards closed in August with the loss of 74 jobs.

Buckie harbour

David Oxley, HIE’s Area Manager for Moray, said: “Our top priorities have been to support the staff who lost their jobs and to work with the administrators to identify opportunities for

the future of the site. The news that respected North East firm Macduff Shipyards is investing in Buckie is to be welcomed. We will work with the firm to help them grow and drive their business and investment in the area.

“We also continue to work alongside Moray Council as it seeks to unlock the huge potential of the harbour site. We are supportive of its plans to find the best options for the future development of the main part of the shipyard, which it owns.”

DIGITAL ROADSHOWS CONNECT COMMUNITIES TO ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES A roadshow to help people in the Highlands and Islands to make the most out of digital technology launched in Inverness in November.

Developed for both social and business users, ‘Our Digital Zone’ is setting up in venues including Inverness, Moray, Dingwall, Fort William, Dunoon and Oban over the next few months to share information on how technology can benefit how we live and work.

The programme, run by a partnership between HIE, Business Gateway and Citizens Online, offers a wide range of free advice to any level of user. It complements an existing HIE and Business Gateway initiative already running across the region to support businesses.

There’s help for everyone - those taking the first steps in getting online, people who want to develop their web or social media activity, or who want to discover more about the latest digital technology.

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BT Infinity bus parked outside the Eastgate Centre, Inverness, running workshops about Next Generation Broadband (NGB)

Theresa Swayne, Senior Digital Development Manager at HIE, said: “We’ve run a number of successful sessions for communities and businesses across the region over the past year. More than 120 businesses have had one-to-one support through our Digital Health Checks. The roadshow is another step in reaching as many people as possible.”

Full details of what’s happening across the region can be found at www.hie.co.uk/digital

www.hie.co.uk

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ISLAY WHISKY WAREHOUSE Demand for whisky from a small Islay distillery has grown so much over the last two years that the owners have built a new warehouse to store its casks.

Kilchoman Distillery grows barley for whisky production on site and is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland. Construction of its new warehouse has been completed and has the capacity to hold 10,000 casks.

Caption (L-R) John MacLellan, distillery manager, Tony Rozga, distillery still man and Claire Simers (HIE)

The £450,000 project has been supported by HIE with a £110,000 grant towards the facility

which has been built on land close to the distillery at Rockside Farm.

Kilchoman, whose core brand is the Machir Bay, Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, was established in 2005 – the first distillery built on Islay in 124 years. Over the last two years, sales of malt whisky at Kilchoman Distillery have grown by more than 50 percent. The company’s turnover is currently £2m with 90 percent of sales being exported to 30 countries worldwide.

BUSINESS LOAN SUPPORTS GROWTH An island business founded at the end of WWII has received a cash boost from HIE to support its growth plans.

HIE’s £200,000 commercial loan to Bute Fabrics – a major private sector employer on the Isle of Bute – will help ensure that the company’s strong growth in recent years continues apace.

Bute Fabrics is internationally renowned for the design and manufacture of highly specialist woollen fabrics used in upholstery and soft furnishing. The funding will support research and development, international sales and marketing.

Askernish Golf Club

GOLF TOURISM STRATEGY TEES OFF Businesses from across the Highlands and Islands have taken part in a new initiative which aims to boost golf tourism in Scotland.

A ‘Driving Forward Together’ seminar was held in Inverness in November to look at how the private and public sectors can work together to achieve Scotland’s ambition to be the world’s leading golf destination by 2020.

The seminars highlighted the new Scottish Golf Tourism Development Strategy. HIE

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is one of the ‘Team Scotland’ partners who developed the plan.

Audrey MacLennan, Senior Development Manager for Tourism, said: “With the success of the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links over the past three years and the focus which will be on Scotland in 2014 with the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games, now is the time for the Highlands and Islands to prepare.”

www.hie.co.uk

December 2013 /January 2014

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OUR PRIORITIES Strengthening communities and fragile areas A’ neartachadh choimhearsnachdan agus sgìrean dùbhlanach

LAND GIFTED FOR HERITAGE SITE CENTRE Plans to build a centre on the Isle of Lewis dedicated to the St Kilda islands have moved a step closer.

The land for the new centre, at Geodha Sgoilt at Mangersta, has been gifted to community group Ionad Hiort by the Uig and Hamanavay Estate. HIE’s Innse Gall and Community Assets teams have provided support for the transfer and for consultancy work to help progress the project.

St Kilda is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is a UNESCO dual world heritage site renowned for its natural and cultural significance - the only one in the UK. Iain Begg of HIE, said: “HIE is delighted that the project is getting closer to development stage.

The planned remote access to the world-class heritage site will provide many benefits to the community in terms of employment and tourism opportunities.”

Iain Buchanan, Chairman of Ionad Hiort, said: “A great deal of valuable work has been done to develop the concept of the centre. We now see 2014 as a crucial year for bringing everyone together in support of what they all recognise as an iconic project of local, national and international significance.”

Subject to agreement on decrofting with Mangersta Common Grazings Committee, an outline planning application will be submitted in the near future.

SUPPORTING NORTH COAST CONNECTION A North social enterprise is celebrating the opportunity to create a community hub after securing ownership of an important local building.

With HIE’s support, North Coast Connection based in Tongue, Sutherland, has taken ownership of the Kyle Centre and a small parcel of land next to the building from Highland Council. HIE has worked with the social enterprise as it has developed its plans and provided funding for the legal fees.

North Coast Connection community representatives

The group delivers health and wellbeing activities, including a community lunch group three days a week. The acquisition means they can develop the centre and expand their activities to five days a week.

Marion Macdougall from North Coast Connection, said: “We are very grateful to HIE for helping us to acquire the building and the additional land we require for development.

It will be a valuable resource, available for and bringing benefit to all ages. Acquiring the building and the land is the first step.”

CAMPBELTOWN TOWN HALL FUNDING IN PLACE

A community project being supported by HIE to bring Campbeltown Town Hall back into full use has secured the final piece in its funding jigsaw.

South Kintyre Development Trust (SKDT) has been awarded a £1m grant from Big Lottery Growing Community Assets. This completes the financial package needed for the ambitious project to transform the building into a fully Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

accessible, comfortable community hub.

The Town Hall project is another important step in the physical and economic regeneration taking place in Campbeltown. SKDT believes that the increased activity in the town centre will create economic benefits for all.

Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2014, with reopening in Summer 2015.

www.hie.co.uk

December 2013 /January 2014

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CO-ROINN DUAIS GNÌOMHACHAS GÀIDHLIG NA BLIADHNA 2013

COIMHEARSNACHD SHIABOIST AIR AN DUAIS A’ BHUANNACHADH AIRSON COIMHEARSNACHD, DUALCHAS AGUS TURASACHD

Airson a’ chiad uair on thoisich am farpais, “Gnìomhachas Gàidhlig na Bliadhna” chaidh a’ chiad duais a bhuileachadh, co-ionnan, air dà chompanaidh. B’ iad na companaidhean, Facal, companaidh, stèidhte an Dùthaich MhicAoidh, a tha a’ tabhann seirbheisean cànain agus Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, taigh tasgaidh stèidhte an Nis Leòdhas, a ghlèidh duais Gnìomhachas Gàidhlig na Bliadhna 2013 le chèile.

Bhuannaich Choimhearsnachd Shiaboist ann an co-bhonn le Iomairt Ghàidhlig Iar Thuath Leòdhais an duais airson Coimhearsnachd, Dualchas agus Turasachd aig na Duaisean Gàidhlig na h-Alba. Chaidh na duaisean a thoirt seachad air Diciadain 20 Samhain aig na Lus-ghàrraidhean Rìoghail ann an Dùn Èideann.

Tha an fharpais, a th’ air a stiùireadh le Comunn Na Gàidhlig (CnaG) le taic o Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd’s nan Eilean (HIE) a’ toirt aithne don obair ionmholta a tha mòran chompanaidhean a’ dèanamh nan raon fhèin agus aig an aon àm iad ga dhèanamh tron Ghàidhlig. A thuilleadh air a bhith a’ toirt aithne do na companaidhean a tha a’ cumail a’ Ghàidhlig aig cridhe an cuid obrach an ceartuair, thathas an dòchas gum brosnaich an fharpais companaidhean eile gus a bhith a’ strì gus iad fhèin a’ bharrachd a dhèanamh tron Ghàidhlig.

Chaidh an duais a thoirt seachad dhan choimhearsnachd le Iseabail Nic an t-Sagairt, ball den bhòrd aig HIE. Bhuannaich a’ bhuidheann an duais airson an cruinneachadh de òrain, dealbhan, agallamhan, mapaichean

agus ainmean na teaghlaichean anns an sgìre a bha a’ sealltainn dòigh-beatha na daoine tron 20mh linn. Tha an cruinneachadh ri fhaicinn anns taigh-tasgaidh anns an t-seann sgoile.

A’ toirt seachad an duais, thuirt Iseabail: “Tha HIE air leth toilichte a bhith a’ brosnachadh pròiseact sam bith leithid a’ phròiseact aig Siaboist a tha a’ cleachdadh a’ chànan agus cultar bhon àite fhèin agus cuideachd ga chleachdadh airson buaidh a thoirt air turasachd gu h-ionadail.”

JOINT WINNERS OF 2013 GAELIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD For the first time since its inception, the Gaelic Business of the Year Award has been jointly won by two companies. The successful companies are Facal, a specialist transcription and translation service company based in Sutherland and Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, a historical society based in Ness, Lewis.

The competition, which is run by Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG) and funded by HIE recognises good practice in the use of Gaelic in the business sector. As well as giving recognition to businesses where Gaelic is central to all that they do, it is hoped that the competition also encourages other businesses to increase their commitment to the language in practical ways.

SHAWBOST COMMUNITY WINS SCOTTISH GAELIC AWARD Shawbost Community in association with Iomairt Ghàidhlig Iar Thuath Leòdhais have won the Community, Heritage and Tourism award at the first ever Scottish Gaelic Awards.

The awards ceremony took place Wednesday 20 November at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.

Shawbost Community received their award from HIE board member Iseabail MacTaggart.

The organisation was recognised for its collection of local songs, photographs, interviews, maps of houses and family names

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(l to r) Iseabail MacTaggart, Roddy Morrison, Duncan Shirke and Marina Murray

that captured the way of life of people in the area especially throughout the 20th Century.

The collection is housed within the museum at the old school which visitors to the area can enjoy.

Presenting the prize, Iseabail said: “HIE is delighted to promote projects such as Shawbost Community offer which not only celebrate the local language and culture but also promote using Gaelic as an asset within the heritage and tourism industries.”

www.hie.co.uk

December 2013 /January 2014

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AWARD WINNING PARTNERSHIP A partnership between HIE and Social Investment Scotland (SIS) has won an award in Scotland’s first annual social investment awards for its role in delivering something new to the social marketplace.

The HIE/SIS team won the Cross Sector Partnership of the Year in the SI Magazine

Social Investment November 28.

Awards

2013

on

enterprises to explore funding opportunities and become investment ready.

SIS is Scotland’s largest not for profit provider of business loans, and supports the growth of community organisations. It is working with HIE in the Highlands and Islands on a three year project to support the region’s social

The judges said that the formalised relationship between HIE and SIS would ensure that customers across HIE’s geography could benefit from targeted support and signposting to funding.

HIE WELCOMES KATIE MORAG TO THE SMALL SCREEN The new Katie Morag children’s programme, based on the hugely popular books created by author and illustrator Mairi Hedderwick, has been aired on the BBC. Produced by Highland-based Scottish indie Move On Up, Katie Morag is a 26-part series for CBeebies. Filming for the programme took place on the Isle of Lewis over four months using both studio facilities on the island as well as the beautiful Hebridean landscape – a key part of the Katie Morag adventures.

Mairi Buchanan of HIE said: “By supporting the production company to film in an island location using the scenics, the studio and all that we have to offer here in the Outer Hebrides, we hope that its broadcast will highlight the area as a base for other major productions as well as boosting both the local supply chain and tourism industry. Mairi Hedderwick did a wonderful job of highlighting the scenery, landscape and culture of the Scottish islands in her books and we have no doubt that Move On Up will achieve the same.

Cherry Campbell as Katie Morag. © BBC

Our support for the Creative Industries sector recognises not only its social value to local communities, but also its potential to drive economic growth.”

Author Mairi Hedderwick and Lindy Cameron from Move on Up will be appearing at the Cromarty Film Festival which is on from December 6-8.

RESEARCH HELPS COMMUNITIES TO MAKE A ‘LEEP’ HIE and Community Energy Scotland (CES) are working together to deliver research on how community-led renewable energy projects can sustainably benefit their own areas.

in the development of community projects.

The concept is centred round four pillars of the local energy economy: local generation, supply, demand, and local finance.

The ‘Local Energy Economy Project’ (LEEP) will investigate solutions to grid constraints

Currently the development and viability of community projects can be hampered by

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grid constraints. The project aims to look for technological and commercial solutions which could help. The research will initially work with five established community projects, with plans to extend to up to 20 at a later phase.

www.hie.co.uk

December 2013 /January 2014

OUR PRIORITIES

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Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities A’ leasachadh roinnean fàis, gu h-àraidh cothroman sònraichte na sgìre

FORT WILLIAM DESIGNER WINS SCOTTISH STYLE AWARD A Lochaber born designer has won the HIE sponsored ‘Womenswear Designer of the Year’ category at the Scottish Style Awards 2013.

Judy R Clark currently works between Edinburgh and her home town of Fort William.

She is renowned for her couture creations which intertwine Harris Tweed, vintage lace and reams of silk.

Her colourful garments are created using cloth hand-woven by her uncle Donald who has a loom in Shawbost, Isle of Lewis. She has produced a bespoke collection for musician Emeli Sandi and also recently made clothes for Judy Murray and Fiona Hyslop MSP. Judy said: “I was delighted to the win the award. This prestigious accolade is a spring board that will hopefully help move things in the right direction.”

After graduating from university with a fashion degree, Judy worked as an intern with the late Alexander McQueen where she learnt more about design and fashion.

Judy R Clark

HIE’s Janice Wallace, who presented the award, said: “We are delighted to support the Scottish Style Awards which recognise Scotland’s hottest fashion talent before it breaks through to wider commercial success.

It is great that a designer from the Highlands won the accolade and Judy R Clark is certainly a name to watch out for.”

ANCESTRAL TOURISM PROVES POPULAR A series of workshops on ancestral tourism have proved hugely popular with Highlands and Islands businesses from across the region.

The sessions were held in November in nine locations across Scotland, including in Inverness, Kilmartin, Stornoway, Elgin and Shetland. Forecasts indicate that ancestral

tourism in Scotland has the potential to grow significantly in the next five years, from the current 800,000 visitors per year to 4.3 million.

Audrey MacLennan, HIE’s Senior Tourism Manager, said: “There are an increasing number of people looking to trace their roots and visit the land of their forefathers. This is a growing opportunity not just for businesses

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but community groups and social enterprises which may have specific local expertise. As Scotland plans for 2014, when we welcome the world for Homecoming, the Ryder Cup and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, it is the perfect time for businesses to develop an action plan to maximise the benefits.”

www.hie.co.uk

December 2013 /January 2014

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Nicky Marr, host, Willie Watt, Subsea 7 and Wick Harbour and Jim Royan, HIE board member

HIE PRESENTS 2013 ENERGY AMBASSADOR AWARD The third annual Energy North awards brought together some of the most influential people and businesses from the Scottish energy sector to celebrate the sector’s role on the global stage.

HIE, which supports Energy North to develop strong industry networks, sponsored the 2013 Energy North Ambassador. Winner Willie Watt from Subsea 7 and Wick Harbour received his award from HIE Board member Jim Royan.

With 250 guests attending, winners reflected the breadth of activity across the region with awards recognising best projects and suppliers, best newcomer and best exporter.

Ian Couper, Chief Executive at Energy North, said: “What makes the north especially advantageous is its wealth of resourceful, inventive, innovative and ambitious

businesses, organisations, men and women.

Everyday thousands of people work very hard to ensure Scotland stays on the worldwide energy map. And this is what the Energy North Awards are all about: the contribution that companies and individuals make to ensure energy brings prosperity, economic growth and global recognition to their business and to the north of Scotland as a whole.”

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN FOOD AND DRINK The finest talent in the Highlands and Islands’ food and drink industry gathered in Inverness at the end of October to celebrate this year’s Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards.

It was a nail-biting finale as 300 guests and 41 businesses awaited the announcement of the winners of 12 awards. Victorious businesses ranged from breweries, bakeries, restaurants and retailers to producers of premium Scottish seafood, salt and cheese.

Food and drink awards

Gilpin Bradley of Wester Ross Salmon was given the top honour of the evening as

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he was presented with the Ambassador of the Year Award for his contribution to the industry. Gigha Seafood walked away with the Excellence Award for demonstrating outstanding achievement.

The awards are supported by HIE and organised by the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum. The region’s most prestigious food and drink awards, they celebrating excellence and achievement in the industry, and recognise industry players at the top of their game.

www.hie.co.uk

December 2013 /January 2014

OUR PRIORITIES

Creating the conditions for a competitive and low carbon region A’ cruthachadh àrainneachd airson sgìre le comas farpais is nas lugha de charbon

£1M INVESTMENT FOR REGION’S SCOTGRAD PROGRAMME Businesses and graduates from the region joined others from across Scotland to celebrate the success of a programme which is delivering fresh thinking, innovation and growth to Scottish businesses.

More than 90% of graduates who have already taken part in the ScotGrad initiative, formerly known as the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme, have gone on to secure permanent jobs as a result of the experience.

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In the Highlands and Islands over 250 graduates and summer placements have worked on innovative projects with the region’s businesses.

HIE chairman, Professor Lorne Crerar commented: “Businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands have seen a wide range of exciting projects delivered through this initiative. Companies have benefited from fresh thinking and the quality of work produced by graduates

L to R Graduate Mark Calder, Prof Lorne Crerar and employer James Dunbar at the event.

has consistently expectations.

exceeded

employers’

“HIE, with ERDF funding, is investing more than £1m into ScotGrad over the next two years. We look forward to attracting top calibre graduates from our region, as well as from across the UK, and matching them with the innovative opportunities our Highlands and Islands businesses have to offer.”

HIE TEAM FOCUSED ON CLEAR PURPOSE The commitment of HIE’s staff to the agency’s purpose and vision has been commended following an Investors in People (IiP) assessment.

The national IiP framework is designed to

help organisations achieve their goals by empowering and realising the potential of its staff. And the efforts of HIE’s team to provide best value and to inspire innovation has played a part in the agency achieving a silver award.

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Comments on the agency praised the buyin of staff to HIE’s vision and to new ways of working. It remarked on the clear alignment between the agency’s strategic plans and the Scottish Government’s target and objectives.

www.hie.co.uk

December 2013 /January 2014

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ENGAGEMENT Working with government and parliament Ag obair leis an riaghaltas agus a’ Phàrlamaid

BOARD MEMBERS MEET ARGYLL BUSINESSES Economic opportunities and challenges facing Argyll and the Islands were at the centre of the HIE Board’s business on 29 October.

The Board met in Dunoon and devoted a large part of its agenda to discussing local issues with Douglas Cowan, HIE’s Area Manager.

Running from north of Oban to the tip of the Mull of Kintyre, and including 20 inhabited islands, the territory is one of the most geographically and economically diverse in the Highlands and Islands.

Board members also visited HIE account managed businesses, including Fyne Ales and Shearwater Marine Services, to discuss their relationship with the enterprise agency and ambitious plans for the future

HIE BOARD IN ORKNEY European Marine Science Park

TOUR OF REGION FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM Scottish Development International (SDI) colleagues from Dusseldorf, Paris, London and Copenhagen have been visiting some of the region’s newest and most innovative life science facilities.

SDI is responsible for supporting and promoting Scotland abroad, and this kind of first hand knowledge of the growing cluster of expertise the region has to offer the life science sector is hugely valuable.

The group saw the European Marine Science Park near Oban, the Alexander Graham Bell Centre in Moray and Inverness Campus in the Highland capital. All of these facilities offer space for business and research collaboration across a range of life science subjects including marine science, digital health and technology development.

HIE’s Board spent two days in Orkney in November visiting some of the ambitious projects happening on the islands.

The group, including Chief Executive Alex Paterson, visited Orkney Wine, Sheila Fleet, Orkney Brewery, saw the site of the proposed Orkney Research Campus, and met with a wide range of business and community representatives.

The visit was hosted by Orkney area manager Ken Grant, and was one of his final engagements before taking up a new role within HIE. He is moving to HIE’s Energy Team, and will have a region wide post focusing on the growth of the oil and gas industry.

Orkney Brewery

Ken joined Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) in 1980 and took up the post of Chief Executive of Orkney Enterprise when HIE was created in 1991.

Alex Paterson, HIE’s Chief Executive, said: “Ken’s contribution for Highlands and Islands Enterprise in Orkney has been exemplary. He is a well-known and well-liked figure who has done a great deal to place the region where it is today, at the forefront of marine energy development worldwide. I am delighted that he will be continuing to make a valuable contribution to HIE and the region in his new role.”

SIR PETER MEETS HIE STAFF AND CLIENTS Scotland’s top civil servant visited the Highlands and Moray in November. Sir Peter Housden, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, met a cross-section of HIE staff to discuss the agency’s role in delivering the Government Economic Strategy.

Topics included the current £146m rollout of Next Generation Broadband throughout the region, which HIE is leading with BT, and the importance of growth sectors including energy, life sciences and universities.

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Sir Peter was keen to see at first hand some major HIE projects which are driving economic and community growth, including Inverness Campus and the Enterprise Park Forres.

In Forres he met staff of ambitious account managed businesses including oil services firm EFC and medical diagnostics specialist AccuNostics, and researchers based at Glasgow School of Art’s Institute of Design Innovation.

www.hie.co.uk

lights www.hie.co.uk info@hient.co.uk Published by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Cowan House, Inverness IV2 7GF All images are copyright Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

All written material Crown Copyright.

Ambitious for Scotland Àrd-amasach airson Alba